Resident Assistants
Lead Where You Live
Resident Assistants (RAs) are integral student leaders who establish and sustain strong, healthy, and safe communities in the residence halls for all residential students. RAs actively facilitate and create an environment of belonging that supports student growth and success inside and outside the classroom. The RA program develops strong leaders and lifelong community builders who affect positive change.
Why Be an RA?
Why Be an RA?
Being a Resident Assistant (RA) is more than a campus job; it is a transformative leadership experience that serves as a launchpad for your personal and professional future. It is a unique opportunity to shape your community, develop a versatile skill set, and build a network that will support you long after graduation.
The skills you gain as an RA are directly transferable to any field or career path you choose.
The structure of the role actively promotes academic success.
Being an RA is an investment in yourself. You are stepping into a role that will develop you into a more confident and well-rounded leader, ready to make a meaningful impact on your campus as a Bulldog!
Compensation
Starting stipend of $2,000 per semester ($4,000/year).
*Opportunity for pay increase once you’ve served in the position for one year (two semesters).
Resident Assistants also receive a Residence Hall single room at no cost.
Resident Assistant Application and Selection Process
In order to be considered for an RA position for the 2027-2028 academic year, students must complete the application requirements listed below.
2027-2028 RA Selection Timeline:
Resident Assistant Application Requirements
- Have your resume reviewed by the Career Center
- Attend an RA Info Session
- Submit Application
Resume Review by the Career Center
Before submitting the application, applicants must get their resume reviewed by the Career Center. To get your resume reviewed, you can:
- Submit your resume to the Online Document Submission Review Form. Written feedback (typically a 3-to-5 business day turnaround).
- Stop by for drop-in assistance with resumes and quick questions Monday through Friday from 12-3 p.m.
- Schedule an individual coaching appointment through your Handshake account or by emailing career@unca.edu.
After your resume is reviewed, you can upload it to your RA Application.
RA Info Session
Applicants must attend an information session to be eligible to proceed with the application. Candidates will get the opportunity to meet with current staff, ask questions about the RA position, and learn more about the interview process, department, and role.
Please plan to attend at least one of the information sessions listed below in Ponder Hall 011.
- Wednesday, November 18, 2-3 p.m.
- Thursday, November 19, 12-1 p.m.
- Thursday, January 14, 12-1 p.m.
- Tuesday, January 19, 6-7 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 27, 4-5 p.m.
- Friday, February 5, 2-3 p.m.
No problem! This is what the Career Center is for. Make an appointment with them and a Career Coach will help you create one.
RA selection committees know applicants may not have formal leadership or job experience, so they look for potential and transferable skills like teamwork, communication, and reliability rather than a long work history. Group projects, helping classmates, club involvement, volunteering, and any job (even babysitting or fast food) all count as experience you can put on your resume.
Job Responsibilities
Interested in leading where you live? Find out what RAs do and how the position helps students grow, both on campus and beyond.
- Develops and maintains a fun, positive, and inclusive residential atmosphere that promotes a sense of belonging for all residents.
- Knows and develops individual relationships with each resident assigned to their hall. Encourages and/or participates in on-campus events with residents.
- Communicates with residents on a daily basis.
- Plan and coordinate floor and building-wide events
- Updates digital signage on a weekly basis
- Well-versed in resources across the campus to assist students.
- Welcomes and communicates with residents and guests during regular hall service desk hours.
- Provides calm and knowledgeable support to students in emergency and/or crisis situations.
- Maintains positive relationships with fellow RAs, HDs, and other campus partners.
- Consults with professional staff and UNC Asheville leadership on matters related to residential life and campus community building.
- Leads in the recruitment, selection, and training of new RAs.
- Supports resident concerns even when not on call.
- Serves in an on-call rotation with their respective RA team, and may be asked to provide on-call coverage during break periods in which the institution remains open (Fall
- Break/Thanksgiving/Spring Break).
- Coordinates opening, closing and inspection procedures for residence hall rooms.
- Arrives on campus before the semester begins and remains on campus until the process is complete after the end of each semester.
- Participates in required RA training and professional development sessions throughout the year in support of own growth and development.
- RAs are evaluated by their supervisor at the end of each semester with an emphasis on personal and professional growth and development
- Attend and participate in Career Center Development Workshops throughout the academic year
- Complete and submit any and all required Google Forms, Sheets, etc. (Weekly Reports, Incident Reports, Rounds Reports, Event Planning Forms, etc.
- Attend weekly/bi-weekly one on ones and staff meetings
- Additional tasks as assigned
- Maintain a high level of flexibility to support impromptu community and departmental needs
2027-2028 Required Dates
These are dates that RAs are required to be here and be available, but are not limited to:
Contact Us
Any questions about the RA Selection process?
Please contact Chris Hanhan, Assistant Director of Residence Life for Engagement, at chanhan@unca.edu.
